Les Misérables · Chapter
A Five-Franc Piece Falls on the Ground and Produces a Tumult explained
Jean Valjean, living quietly with Cosette, encounters a beggar near Saint-Médard's church whom he regularly gives alms.
What happens
Jean Valjean, living quietly with Cosette, encounters a beggar near Saint-Médard's church whom he regularly gives alms. One evening, he momentarily mistakes the beggar's face for Javert, but later dismisses the fear. However, he soon hears a man's footsteps in his house at night, sees a light through his keyhole, and the next morning glimpses the silhouette of Javert leaving. The old woman claims a new lodger named Dumont has moved in, but Valjean, suspicious, takes precautions and eventually leaves the house with Cosette.
Themes in this chapter
Justice vs. Law
Javert's relentless pursuit of Valjean exemplifies the conflict between legal justice and personal redemption.
The Human Condition and Fate
Valjean's constant fear and instinct for survival highlight the precariousness of his existence and the inescapable shadow of his past.
Characters to notice
- Jean Valjean
Gives alms to a beggar, mistakes him for Javert, then discovers Javert has been spying on him; decides to flee with Cosette.
- Cosette
Present with Valjean during the spelling lesson and later taken by him as they leave the house.
- Javert
Disguised as a beggar to spy on Valjean, later seen entering the house at night and listening at Valjean's door.
Key passages
“He experienced the same impression that one would have on finding one’s self, all of a sudden, face to face, in the dark, with a tiger.”
Valjean felt a sudden shock of terror, as if encountering a dangerous predator in the dark.
Describes Valjean's instinctive fear upon recognizing Javert's face.
“Jean Valjean threw himself, all dressed as he was, on his bed, and could not close his eyes all night.”
Valjean lay down fully clothed and remained awake through the night.
Shows Valjean's anxiety after realizing Javert is nearby.